Police: Former AMC employee charged in Marple movie heist

Christoper Heinly, a former AMC Theatres employee is under arrest and has allegedly confessed to three movie theater robberies dating back to 2012, including the March 28 theft from the theater at the Marple Crossroads Shopping Center.

MARPLE — A former AMC Theatres employee is under arrest and has allegedly confessed to three movie theater robberies dating back to 2012, including Friday’s theft from the Marple Crossroads Shopping Center.

Christopher S. Heinly, 26, of Plymouth Meeting, was picked up at a halfway house in Levittown on Wednesday night and charged with 11 felonies, including multiple counts of robbery, theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property, according to online court records.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David H. Lang and taken to the Delaware County prison after failing to post $100,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 17.

“Once we got back to headquarters, he gave full verbal and written confessions to all three jobs,” Marple police Detective Barry Williams said, referring to 2012, 2013 and last Friday’s robbery at the AMC Marple 10. “He worked there in early 2012, and then he worked at the Granite Run theater ... We interviewed current and former employees and about a half a dozen people recognized this person as Christopher Heinly.”

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Heinly made off with about $600 during Friday’s robbery, which ended with a security guard pumping four bullets into a getaway car driven by another man.

“Heinly did not display a weapon, but (the security guard) claimed the driver of the car did,” Williams said. “We have identified the driver and a third passenger in the car and have charges pending against both.”

Heinly’s accomplices will be charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, theft and receiving stolen property.

Williams said the driver of the car had been living with Heinly and suffering from a bullet wound to the shoulder. “He didn’t go to the hospital until he was identified last night by police,” Williams said. “He knew if he showed up at the hospital with a bullet wound he would be arrested.”

The alleged getaway car also was impounded and towed back to Marple.

“It’s a four-door, white Acura sedan with a sunroof and four bullet holes,” Williams said.

Heinly has prior arrests in Delaware and Montgomery counties. In September 2012, Springfield police charged him with multiple counts of theft, receiving stolen property and possession of an instrument of crime. He eventually was given accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) in Common Pleas Court.

Williams said Heinly has a drug problem.

On Friday, Heinly allegedly entered the AMC Marple 10 Theatres at about 11 p.m. wearing a red shirt, zipped up hoodie, sunglasses and gloves. Williams said he walked directly to the register area and removed $600 in cash.

“He knew exactly where he was going,” he said.

A security guard followed the suspect to a parking area on the south side of the theater where the getaway car was located. After some type of physical altercation, the driver of the vehicle allegedly flashed a gun at the guard, who responded by firing at the driver’s side of the Acura.

Williams said Heinly probably made off with “a couple grand” from the three robberies.

About the Author

Tim Logue is a general assignment reporter for the Daily Times. Reach the author at tlogue@delcotimes.com
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